Runaway Day

Sometimes you just need a day to runaway. That is what Stew and I needed this weekend.

Last week was filled with  appointments; an instructional class on stem cell transplants, tests, evaluations, labs, a bone marrow biopsy, and meetings with our stem cell coordinator, financial person, and social worker. A tentative schedule was laid out for us, to even include a week to visit family.

Even though the final results weren't in, the thought process by the professionals seemed to be that the chemo should work and we would move into the mobilization stage.

Friday morning the phone rang. Stew's test results were already in. Katie said she was sorry to have to tell us the test results over the phone, but she knew we were preparing to leave for the hospital soon for another round of chemo and she wanted to let us know chemo had been canceled. She compassionately shared that the mantle cell lymphoma in Stew's body was continuing to progress, lymph nodes were still growing, and his bone marrow tested positive for the cancer. So, no chemo treatment. No remission.

Our initial reaction was one of being totally stunned. We held each other with no words. Not because we didn't know it could happen, but because it actually had. So, after telling our family the news,we decided to "run away" to life.  Our friend, Barry, kept the boys (Boxers), Amy took Charlee (our rat terrier), and we left. How thankful we are for their willingness to step in at a needed time for what was truly a last minute decision!

This "run away" weekend was so needed.

It was a sweet moment of time to step away from cancer and simply be.
It was an enjoyed mini escape from doctors and negative news.
It was a quiet continued celebration of  life.
It was a time of gentle strengthening with the Father even though there was very little prayer.

Tomorrow we have an appointment with Dr. B. He is reviewing  Stew's records again and will give us his opinion as to if there is anything else medically to be done.

We will be walking into his office fully aware that in our first meeting with him it was shared this chemo was our best hope medically. We are also walking in there knowing that even though God has blessed us with  Dr. B. as our doctor, He has even more so blessed us with Himself and His Presence.

The battle has gone on for a long time, and so many of you have stayed with us in unwavering prayer and support since the very beginning. Thank you so much. Because of you we are strengthened and encouraged.

Please add to your prayers healing for Stew's legs. There are times when they simply don't work the way they should and he now needs to use a cane to walk. His words, "they become floppy."

Love,
Stew and Deb
Click on the link below if you would like to see a short video of our weekend.

Runaway Day